Section 2: Getting Started; Design And Installation Considerations; Negative Pressure - Heat & Glo NorthStar-BK Owner's Manual

2
Getting Started
A. Design and Installation Considerations
CAUTION
Check building codes prior to installation.
• Installation MUST comply with local, regional,
state and national codes and regulations.
• Consult insurance carrier, local building inspector,
fire officials or authorities having jurisdiction about
restrictions, installation inspection and permits.
When planning a fireplace installation, it is necessary to de-
termine the following information before installing:
• Where the fireplace is to be installed. See Sections
 and 4.
• The vent system configuration to be used. See Sections
5 and 6.
• Electrical wiring. See Section .
• Framing and finishing details. See Sections 3, 6 and 8.
• Whether optional accessories are desired. See
Section 12.
Draft is the pressure difference needed to vent fireplaces
successfully. Considerations for successful draft include:
• Preventing negative pressure
• Location of fireplace and chimney
WARNING
Asphyxiation Risk
Negative pressure can cause spillage of
combustion fumes and soot. Fire needs to draft
properly for safe operation.
B. Negative Pressure
Negative pressure results from the imbalance of air avail-
able for the fireplace to operate properly. Causes for this
imbalance include:
• Exhaust fans (kitchen, bath, etc.).
• Range hoods.
• Combustion air requirements for furnaces, water heaters
and other combustion appliances.
• Clothes dryers.
• Location of return-air vents to furnace or air
conditioning.
• Imbalances of the HVAC air handling system.
Page 6
Heat & Glo • NorthStar EPA Fireplace • 480-1081C
• Upper level air leaks: recessed lighting, attic hatch
opening, duct leaks.
To minimize the effects of negative air pressure, the follow-
ing must be considered:
• Install the outside air kit.
• Ensure adequate outdoor air is supplied for combustion
appliances and exhaust equipment.
• Ensure furnace and air conditioning return vents are not
located in the immediate vicinity of the fireplace.
• Avoid installing the fireplace near doors, walkways or small
isolated spaces.
• Recessed lighting should be a "sealed can" design; attic
hatches weather stripped or sealed; attic mounted duct
work and air handler joints and seams taped or sealed.
Location of the fireplace and chimney will affect performance.
As shown in Figure 7.1, on page 7, the chimney should:
• Be installed through the warm airspace enclosed by the
building envelope. This helps to produce more draft,
especially during lighting and die-down of the fire.
• Penetrate the highest part of the roof. This minimizes the
effects of wind turbulence.
• Be located away from trees, adjacent structures, uneven
roof lines and other obstructions.
Offsets can restrict draft so their use should be minimized.
Consider the fireplace location relative to floor and ceiling
and attic joists.
The NorthStar Fireplace requires a minimum flue draft of
-0.10 inches of water column on High, and -0.04 inches of
water column on Low, as measured with a draft meter. Most
dealers have draft meters available to measure your flue draft
if you suspect a problem.
If the fire is difficult to start, and smoke spills out of the door,
or you find it hard to establish and maintain a moderately
high burn rate, then the flue draft is too low and corrective
measures must be taken.
NOTE: Cold air infiltration can cause frosting on glass.
September 1, 2008